On Sunday 26th February, Matinee Jazz at Clarendon Muse presented us with a delightful double bill. Vibraphone player Anthony Kerr delivered a sterling first half of jazz standards, and was followed by The Ilario Ferrari Trio, made up of Charlie Pyne (bass and vocals), Katie Patterson (drums and vocals), and Ilario himself on piano and voice.
From the first piece, entitled Rebirth, the trio had the auditorium in the palm of their hands. Ilario explained that the piece was inspired by the rhythms, culture and atmosphere of India, especially the south, which he had visited with his partner. The audience was transported not only out of Watford but out of their everyday experience by the exotic and unpredictable flavour of this piece. It set the scene for an afternoon of music that, while playing affectionately with familiar sounds and structures, had more than a touch of the uncanny about it and consistently swept us with sudden force into bold and exciting new vistas.
The most arresting pieces for me, Morning Samba and Mediterranean Dance, catapulted us into sharply contrasting aural landscapes with speed and alacrity. The vocal harmonies in Morning Samba were luscious enough to swim in, inviting you to laze and linger in their richness and strength. In contrast, the challenging rhythms of Mediterranean dance, exploring 5/4 time and complex, energetic syncopation was like a shot of adrenaline and filled the space with a frantic sense of movement.
Alongside the musical globetrotting were more accessible pieces. Walking the Yellow Line had an almost 'pop' vibe, foregrounding a traditional lead vocal with sing along backing vocals. Indeed, the audience were invited to join in toward the end, much to our delight! Playground too had a radio-ready sound, not least because of the sumptuous interplay between the trio. You get the sense that these three musicians are on a journey together, enjoying each other's company, sharing ideas and inspirations (Ferrari's dog and Pyne's baby both get a mention on that score!), and keenly alert to each other's musical gestures.
Ferrari is a gentle showman. Dressed in a vibrant red Indian kurta he immediately demands attention and rewards you for giving it. He invites you into his world, and delights in upturning expectations, plucking the piano from the inside and finger-tapping it on the outside to create a new and engaging palette of sound. Pyne came across as an earth mother, dressed in flowing black and white, and solidly holding the sound together with her confident bass rhythms. When she scat sings it is both a surprise and a joy, the highlight of my afternoon. Patterson is a wild child, grinning maniacally behind her drum kit and taking impish pleasure in every whack of the skins and tinkle of the bell; she immediately charms.
The band will play next in Hitchin on the 25th of March and launch their new album 'Be Yourself' at Kings Place (Hall 2) in Kings Cross on 1st June. Highly recommended!
Photo credit: Robert Crowley Photography @rw_crowley
